As you are aware of the tragedy of mass shooting at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin on Sunday in what law enforcement has described as an act of domestic terrorism. The entire Sikh community, like all Americans, is shocked at this senseless act of violence. This is a sad day for the entire world and we offer our deepest sympathy to the victims’ families. We appreciate the heroic actions of the Oak Creek Wisconsin police officers, who rushed to the Gurdwara to save many lives at the risk of their own.

The management of the GNFA has decided to have a candlelight vigil and Memorial for Peace at the grounds of our Gurdwara Sahib at 12917 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904 on Wednesday, August 8, 2012, at 8:00 pm and Friday, August 10, 2012, at 8:00 pm. Please join us on both days. You are requested to inform all your friends and families to attend this candlelight vigil in rememberance of the Oak Creek shooting Victims.

A loving son, husband, father a wonderful grandfather. You always will be in everyone heart, may you rest in peace.

A pure gleam that lit our lives. Can shine brightly, no more. As its soul, has left its abode,.Amidst the heavens, to soar. And though we hurt for our loss,. We are forced to bid adieuDestined to cherish, for our lives. Our loving memories of you.

Manpreet Kapur, affectionately called Mini was born in Jalandhar (India) on 8th October, 1984. She migrated to USA with her parents in 1986. She was a lively and kind girl who was ever helpful and honest. A loving daughter, she was a source of constant joy for all her near and dear ones. Though her life was short, her cheerful attitude and unfailing optimism shall remain an inspiration for her family as well as her friends.

A pure gleam that lit our lives
Can shine brightly, no more
As its soul, has left its abode,
Amidst the heavens, to soar
And though we hurt for our loss,
We are forced to bid adieu
Destined to cherish, for our lives
Our loving memories of you

May the Almighty Waheguru bless her soul and give her a place at His feet.

Sadh Sangat ji, GNFA was recently informed that Sardar Jagjit Singh Ji Rathore, husband of Bibi Amarjit Kaur Ji Rathore, passed away on January 4, 2012 after he had suffered a major stroke over a month ago.

Funeral Services from 1-3PM on Sunday 1/8/2012
Funeral services will be held at the Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home at 9902 Braddock Road, Fairfax, VA 22032
Tel#703-425-9702.

The Paath will continue through Saturday 1/14/2012. Everyone is welcomed to participate in the reading and listening of the Paath. There will be a provision to read the Paath in English, in addition to Gurmukhi.

The timings for the Paath will be as follows:

Sunday 1/8: 5PM-8PM

Monday 1/9 – Friday 1/13: 9AM-7PM everyday

Saturday 1/14: 9AM-2PM.

The slots for reading Paath will be 1-hour long each. You can let the family know by RSVP’ing through the following Evite link for the days and times you would like to participate in the reading of the Paath, so that they can reserve the slot/s for you and confirm back to you. You can also call at 703-626-6119 to request a slot.

Bhog of Sehaj Paath and Kirtan from 5PM-8PM on Saturday 1/14/2012The Bhog of the Sehaj Paath and a Kirtan Darbar in loving memory of Jagjit Singh ji’s departed soul will be held from 5PM-8PM on Saturday 1/14/2012 at Raj Khalsa Gurdwara, 22821 Silverbrook Center Dr., #160, Sterling, VA, followed with a Guru-ka-Langar.

The following message was sent from Guru Gobind Singh Foundation’s management to the Sadh Sangat. We have posted it for the GNFA Sangat to view.

Jagjit Singh Rathore, a person who was passionate about Sikhi and showed his dedication to the community through his loving actions, passed away on Wednesday, January 4th. He is survived by his dedicated wife Bibi Amarjit Kaur and daughter Sahiba Kaur. The whole family has been performing kirtan from last two decades in the Washington area gurdwaras and touching many hearts. He was vocal about the rights of the Sikhs here and back in India in the 80’s. He always wanted to recited poems on Gurpurabs and would select poems written by prominent authors like Vidhata Singh Tir, Jaswant Singh Phul and others. He would deliver them with vigor and passion reminding the sangat the joy of being in the kavi darbars in India.

Picture above is his last reciting a poem on Guru Nanak Dev ji’s Gurpurab at Guru Gobind Singh Foundation. He read it loud like a lion.

The management of GNFA is thankful to the Sadh Sangat for their generous donation towards the funeral costs incurred for Manpreet Singh Kohli. The total funds raised through the Washington Metropolitan Area were over $8,000. The GNFA Sadh Sangat gave more than $3,500. Manpreet Singh Kohli’s body has been transported to India for cremation by his relatives.